Long-term prosthetic use may not rewire the brain
Even after a year of wearing and using a prosthetic device, participants in a new study still had a mismatch between what they did and what they felt.
Dec. 30, 2020 • ~7 min
brains nervous-system touch health-and-medicine prostheses
7 research-based resolutions that will help strengthen your relationship in the year ahead
Psychology studies suggest a variety of ways you can strengthen your bond and increase your satisfaction with your partner.
Dec. 28, 2020 • ~8 min
mental-health psychology new-years-resolutions optimism touch emotions psychology-research relationships romantic-relationships romantic-partners love romance relationship-science attractiveness relationship-satisfaction sexual-relationship partners relationship-psychology new-years-resolutions-2020
‘Handmorph’ makes grip smaller to up empathy for kids
A new device called HandMorph can help adults get a taste of what it's like to interact with the world as a child, researchers say.
Nov. 16, 2020 • ~6 min
touch empathy featured science-and-technology social-lives perception hands
The loneliness of social isolation can affect your brain and raise dementia risk in older adults
The social isolation older adults are experiencing as they try to stay safe from the coronavirus pandemic is raising new mental health risks, but people can take steps to protect themselves.
Aug. 4, 2020 • ~9 min
alzheimers-disease health covid-19 coronavirus pandemic aging elderly isolation seniors touch social-isolation living-longer-2020 living-longer cognitive-decline living-alone
Artificial brain gives robot the smarts for complex tasks
Researchers gave a new robot a "brain", human-like "skin," and vision sensors. The result? A much smarter robot.
July 29, 2020 • ~7 min
artificial-intelligence robots brains touch sensors biomimicry science-and-technology
Robotic hand uses soft touch to grip and grab
A new robotic hand may offer just the right touch for automated packaging, medical applications, and picking fruit.
July 22, 2020 • ~5 min
robots touch science-and-technology hands
Slow touches make Venus flytraps snap shut
Venus flytraps can not only snap shut when a fly or spider tickles their hairs, but also when slower prey trigger them, research finds.
July 13, 2020 • ~4 min
insects plants touch science-and-technology predators
Genes may explain why some people love to hug
Twins show that genes play a significant role in how affectionate women are, but not guys. Plus, tips for how huggers can get through social distancing.
June 25, 2020 • ~10 min
gender genes twins touch featured society-and-culture social-lives
How doctors' fears of getting COVID-19 can mean losing the healing power of touch: One physician's story
A give-and-take between patient and provider is essential to patient care. As the COVID-19 pandemic ushers in a new era of medicine, one doctor wonders if this connection will be lost.
June 16, 2020 • ~9 min
covid-19 coronavirus health-care hospitals touch doctors covid-19-front-lines
New VR tech simulates touching walls and other stuff
Virtual reality is great at taking users on a visual journey. But it's not so good for simulating touching objects. A new device could change that.
April 28, 2020 • ~6 min
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